History Heroes Honored

March 4, 2012

We have learned that two more Northern Panhandle residents were among the folks honored as West Virginia History Heroes at the state Capitol Thursday, Feb. 23.

Also named as History Heroes were Bill K. Hissam and George Edward Livingston.

Hissam was nominated by the Tyler County Museum, where he serves as a member of the board of directors. The nominators stated that he "has donated much time and labor to make the museum property presentable by mowing the lawn on the property and taking care of mowing and weeding in the nearby Stealey Cemetery." It also was noted that he "has given much time to the upkeep of the museum building."

Livingston was nominated by the Sons of the American Revolution's Ebenezer Zane chapter, of which he is a charter member and past president. Currently, he serves as the chapter's genealogist and historian.

"He (Livingston) continues to research, document and preserve the memory of Revolutionary War ancestors in the Northern Panhandle," his nominators stated. He also has assisted in placing more than 60 markers on the graves of Revolutionary War veterans, they said.

In addition, Livingston's nominators ponited out, "He spearheaded the design and funding of a marker in Weirton's Veterans Memorial Park and led the effort to have a Revolutionary War memorial service in Weirton in April 2011.

As noted last week, other area residents designated as History Heroes this year were Billy Lynn Cunningham of Pine Grove, Anne Hazlett Foreman of Wheeling, Lou Horacek of Moundsville and Gerry Wood of Glen Dale.

A week ago, on the NBC series, "Who Do You Think You Are," which shows celebrities searching for information about their ancestors, actor Blair Underwood noted that his grandfather, Ernest Underwood, was the second African-American police officer in Steubenville.

Here in the Life Department, we are saddened by the death of our friend and former co-worker Dana White-Roupe, who waged a valiant fight against Stage IV breast cancer for many years. Dana, who remained strong in spirit until the end, succumbed on Wednesday, Feb. 29.

A decade ago (how quickly time passes!), Dana worked as a staff writer here, when this department was known as the Family section. Over the subsequent years, Dana worked at a number of places, making friends everywhere along the way.

She beat breast cancer twice, continuing to work when she was able, and going back to college, where she earned a degree and began graduate studies.

Through all the challenges and struggles, Dana remained a strong person of faith, a fighter against adversity and a cheerful presence against unbearable suffering. She inspired all of her friends and colleagues with her optimism, her determination, her courage, her will to live and her faith in God's love and mercy.

A few weeks ago, when Dana learned that the cancer was active again, she sent an email to several friends, informing us of the diagnosis, but also declaring that she was a three-time survivor. Dana was determined to conquer cancer a third time. Sadly, that was not to be. But she has left a powerful legacy for her family and friends.

Dana was a dear friend to me and to many, many people. She taught us all how to fight the good fight and how to remain strong and upbeat even in times of extreme adversity. Dana touched so many hearts and minds with her love, her strength, her courage, her faith and her convictions.

Funeral services for Dana will be conducted at her home church, Tiltonsville United Methodist, at 3 p.m. today, March 4. May her family find comfort in the words and prayers that will be offered today.